Ask R U OK? Any Day
R U OK? Day – September 12th, 2024
Mental illness is indiscriminate and can affect anyone. Statistically, 1 in 5 Australians aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental disorder between 2023 and 2024, equating to over 4.3 million people. For younger generations, 1 in 7 children aged between 4 and 17 have also reported experiencing poor mental wellbeing.
That’s why each year, we celebrate R U OK? Day. It’s a time to proactively check in on loved ones because a simple conversation could save a life. This year’s theme is Ask R U OK? Any Day, signifying the need to ask: are you okay? every single day.
What Is R U OK? Day & How Did It Start?
R U OK? Day was first incepted in 2009 when founder Gavin Larkin, an Australian advertising executive, created the initiative based on his personal experiences. Sadly, his father, Barry Larkin, tragically took his own life in 1995. Filled with grief and regret, Gavin wished he asked his father if he was okay.
This ignited an idea. Using his grief as motivation to prevent others from feeling the same pain, Gavin embarked on a mission to create a platform that encouraged meaningful conversations about mental health. He believed that starting conversations and actively listening could make a life-altering difference and save someone’s life. That is when R U OK? Day began and has been a staple national day of action ever since.
What Is The R U OK? Day Theme For 2024?
This year’s theme is Ask R U OK? Any Day, symbolising the need to check in on others every day. Mental health may affect us all at different points in our lives. So, we might be okay today, but tomorrow may be different. Equally, we may encounter a traumatic event or changes in circumstances, such as a job loss, that may spark feelings of anxiety and depression. Therefore, we must frequently check in on loved ones because “a conversation can change a life”.
How To Ask: Are You OK?
Credit: R U OK? Day
While talking about mental health and suicide is a tough conversation, checking in on those closest to you could save their life. Be assured that the power of knowing someone cares and that they’re not alone could mean more than you know. Here is how you should ask, ‘Are you okay?’:
- Follow the ALEC model: Ask, ‘Are you okay?’ From there, listen, but be open-minded. Then, encourage action, such as offering to help them seek support or provide wellbeing strategies. Finally, check in after the conversation – continue to do so because a cure is not found overnight!
- Follow R U OK? Days guide how to have the conversation by being prepared and picking the right moment.
- Remember, your mental health is also important, so make sure you’re mentally ready and that support is available if you need it.
Do You Need Help With Your Mental Wellbeing?
Help is always around the corner, and we’re here anytime, anywhere. Check with your HR Team who your EAP is, and if it’s Converge we can help. So don’t struggle in silence; contact Converge for a confidential chat with a qualified, expert consultant. We’re here this R U OK? Day and every other day of the year!
